MSci Pharmaceutical Chemistry (F152)
The Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree provides the type of training specifically required to work in the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery and development of new medicines. The emphasis of the degree is therefore focused on training in synthetic organic chemistry, while also providing a good foundation in the other branches of chemistry. In addition you will receive insights into the way drugs are designed and optimised from lead compounds, their mode(s) of action and pharmacology, and how they are developed through trials and into manufacture. The chemistry is complemented by relevant courses in topics such as physiology, biochemistry and cancer chemotherapy. Students on the programme also undertake a major research project as well as specialist advanced modules in their final year. All laboratory chemistry teaching is undertaken in the multi-million pound state-of-the-art laboratories housed in the new Joseph Priestley building.
This programme is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (external link).
Programme structure
An exciting and cutting edge programme, designed in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, to train students in the practical and theoretical skills required for a career in drug discovery and development.
Year 1
Required Modules – Essential skills for chemists, Atomic, molecular and ionic structure, Elements of physical chemistry, Foundations of organic chemistry, Heredity and gene action, Basic biochemistry, Kinetics and coordination chemistry, Organic functional group chemistry.
Year 2
Required Modules – Animal physiology, Constructing organic molecules, Introduction to drug action, Techniques for biological and chemical sciences, Chemical pharmacology, Chemistry of biological molecules, Molecules from first principles, Transition metal chemistry.
Year 3
Required Modules –Project skills in chemistry, Cancer chemotherapy, Contemporary inorganic chemistry, Synthesis of pharmaceutically active molecules, Molecules and ions at interfaces, Topics in biological chemistry, Advanced experimental chemistry.
Year 4
Required Modules – Advanced chemistry project, Organic synthesis 1, Organic synthesis 2.
Options – Colloidal chemistry, Endocrine physiology and biochemistry, Biological and medicinal inorganic chemistry, Drug, design and development, Enzyme catalysis.
Entry requirements
- Normally 300 points at A2 level
- Grade B in A2 Chemistry is required;
- AVCE Applied Science, BTEC National Certificate, BTEC National Diploma is not accepted
- A2 Mathematics is desirable;
- International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, must include Chemistry (HL) and two
other subjects to be specified (HL or SL) with grade 5 - For more information on entry requirements visit the SBCS general entry requirement page.